Great Outdoor Blog

Oboz Firebrand II BDry day hiker
Great handling in sloppy conditions

My wife thinks I’m nuts because I love hiking in the rain.
“As long as I’ve got the gear to stay dry,” I say in my defense. And as long as I’m not slipping and sliding all over the place.
Staying dry, especially in a cool rain, hasn’t been an issue for years, thanks to layering and advances in rain shells with waterproof membranes. The slip-sliding-away, though, has been a challenge, especially on North Carolina’s rocky, rooty, icerink-slick-wet-red-clay trails.
Which is why I was intrigued when I picked up the Oboz Firebrand II … read more of Joe’s review at www.getgoingnc.com

Oboz Footwear talks about what makes the Firebrand. special

Since beginning my career in outdoor retail back in July of 2010, the barefoot/minimalist shoe market has blown up. There were some days where it seemed like all I did was fit people for Vibram FiveFingers. For many customers the door to running was being opened in a new, more natural way. I was both fascinated and skeptical.

I got back to running regularly in 2009. The credit goes to catharsis over fitness, albeit just slightly. I was in the worst work situation of my life and was going through what might best be described as a one-third life crisis. I was falling apart and not sure of much except this: I loved being in the woods and running made me feel like I was going somewhere at a time when I felt stuck. So I became a trail-runner — a very passionate one.

Many changes followed, including leaving a 12 year career and becoming Paddlesports Manager at Great Outdoor Provision Co. Now my trail-running has become a significant way to speak from experience with customers about what they should consider when it comes to footwear.

The recent return to natural running forms and experiences is a good one. While a lot of folks around me were jumping into the minimal experience with both feet (pun intended) I hung out on the sidelines. I was already a middle/forward foot striker and I was perfectly content with my Brooks Cascadias. What I was missing out on was the feel-response experience. I patiently held off, reading and processing the new and growing conversation about minimal shoes. By this time professors of biomechanics were weighing in on the discussion. That’s when I came across the Brooks PureProject.

The Brooks attitude toward minimal running mirrored my own. Instead of following the crowd and the hype, Brooks was patiently and thoughtfully considering what would be best for a runner’s body. Philosophically that meant a lot to me. Finally, this March I got my first pair of minimal shoes. The Brooks PureGrits. Just when I thought my run experience couldn’t get any better, it did.

The lightness of the shoe, paired with its soft 4mm midsole offset is like having nothing on. Yet the duo of BioMogo and Brooks DNA allow your foot to hug every root and rock without discomfort. The cushiony ride along with the Ideal Heal allows for an explosive kick with each step. Then the Toe Flex design allows for good push without stressing the toes. I have chronic metatarsal dislocation in my right foot, and this has alleviated it significantly.

Light, comfortable, and explosive. These are my top three adjectives for this shoe. I feel more nimble and confident moving through varied terrain and over rocks, roots, and the occasional fallen tree. I also have a greater sense of contact with the trail. These shoes bite and launch which translates into greater run-efficiency. If you’re a trail runner looking for a minimal shoes that doesn’t sacrifice on comfort and packs in a load of technical benefits, the PureGrits are the shoe for you.

My favorite way to start the day is to get in a trail run. For this southern boy the best thing on the menu is Grits…PureGrits.

By Zach Roberts, Trusty’s Paddlesports Manager in Greensboro and contributing editor of www.thetriadadventuregroup.wordpress.com

We carry TOMS Shoes because they are a great casual shoe that helps improve the lives of children around the world. With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

On September 24 Trusty got together with local artists in the Raleigh area and threw a Style Your Sole party so that our customers could express themselves and help children in need by customizing their own blank, canvas TOMS.

The day features local artists Matt Butler, Nina Wu, Paul Friedrich, Chris Williams, Julie Pitts, AdAm Peele along with local bluegrass music provide by Backcounty Still.

Enjoy the pictures from the day.

Saturday, September 24
Great Outdoor Provision Co.
Cameron Village
11am – 4pm

Customers who purchase a pair of TOMS can have them personalized in a custom design by a local artist.

Matt Butler • Nina Wu • Paul Friedrich • Chris Williams • Julie Pitts • AdAm Peele

The personalization is completely free with the purchase of a classic pair of canvas TOMS slip-ons ($44) and as always, TOMS will provide a new pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold.

“Style Your Sole as a way for people to express themselves creatively with any art medium they find appropriate on a pair of TOMS Shoes.” The events, which have been going on throughout the country since 2006, are a fun way to express your individual style while supporting a cause to benefit children in developing countries.

>> Pre-Register Here

by Chuck Millsaps, Minister of Culture

For the barefoot runner, or would-be barefoot runner, who searches for freedom beyond an “individual toed shoe”, emancipation is near! Starting today the new Merrell Trail Glove, which features a Vibram outsole, is now available in our shops. Discover how to stimulate your senses, develop stronger muscles and find a more balanced posture in this new minimalist shoe. Stop by shop and take a pair for a spin. We also stock the Women’s Pure Glove and Pace Glove.

I should note that I incorporated “barefoot” into my running about 2 years ago with the Vibram Five Finger KSO and Bikila. After 30+ years heel-strike running I now run exclusively on soft surface trails and made the transition to “barefoot” by salting it in over a 4 month period. I currently average 40-50 miles a week with about 20% of that barefoot. Running “barefoot” has encouraged my mid-foot strike, strengthened my Achilles and calves, and reduced injury. The new Trail Glove from Merrell allows me to further increase my “barefoot” mileage thus increasing the benefits.

So why another barefoot shoe like the Merrell Trial Glove? Well, after nearly a month of testing the Trail Glove I can say the name is perfect. Only 6.2 oz (men’s size 9) the Trail Glove feels like an ultra light racing flat with a wide toe box. (I am a “D” width on the Brannock, and fit comfortably in the Brooks Cascadia which is my other choice for trails.) The snug fit through the heel and midfoot of the Trail Glove is balanced with a wide toe box allowing the foot to spread its toes freely. My first extended run (7+ miles) covered a multiple of surfaces including pavement, single track and crush-n-run fire road. I like the traditional lacing system which allows me to snug up the ankle collar without crimping the toe box. The 4 mm EVA midsole is most adequate for the single track portion of the run where leaf cover often hides broken billiard ball quartz stones. The outsole has a modest lug pattern but the traction is excellent even when transitioning from muddy slope to granite climb. The zero drop from ball to heel gives the shoe that sports car feel that hugs the terrain.

The Merrell Trail Glove is the ideal choice for the runner looking to start their barefoot experience. Merrell has provided a great resource on their website http://merrell.com/Barefoot where you can learn more about their new barefoot collection. For expert advice be sure to come by the shop and talk with our staff. I encourage you to try on a pair and see how stimulating and freeing the barefoot performance can be. Don’t be surprised if you drop a size or two when try a pair. I wear an 11 in regular shoes, a 43 in the VFF Bikila and found the 10 to be the best fit in the Trail Glove. The Trail Glove will continue to be a part of my running experience. Hope to see you on the trails.

Greensboro Shop – Friendly Center
Thu, Oct 14 thru Sun, Oct 17

SPECIAL EVENT: Thursday, Oct 14 from 10am-­ 3pm ­ Meet our Merrell Rep and receive a FREE Gift with any Merrell Purchase. Register to win a free pair of Merrell boots or shoes.

Thanks to Merrell for supporting Mountains-to-Sea Trail Month.

Women’s Chameleon Arc 2 Mid Waterproof $125

Women’s Siren Sport GTX $100

Men’s Refuge Pro Waterproof $125

Men’s Refuge Core mid Waterproof $135

Backpacker Magazine, the authority on outdoor adventure, is bringing its widely celebrated Get Out More Tour presented by Woolrich to Wilmington, NC on April 20, 2010. The Tour’s renowned team members, Randy and Sheri Propster, will visit Wilmgington as the tour makes its way to 73 venues in 48 states, inspiring more than 55,000 hikers and backpackers to get out and explore the great outdoors!

What: Backpacker Magazine’s Get Our More Tour
When: Tuesday, April 20 @ 7pm
Where: Great Outdoor Provision Co. – Hanover Center, Wilmington
Who: Randy and Sheri Propster, Get Out More Tour Hosts
Cost: Free!
For more information, go to: www.getoutmore2010.com

The Get Out More team is offering in-depth, 60-minute presentations at retail locations and festivals across the country, inspiring both the expert and beginner with their seasoned advice.

Informative and fun presentations will cover a range of topics including:

• Essentials of backpacking
• The latest in gear and apparel
• Survival Skills
• Trail-tested tips

Giveaways at each retail location will offer participants the chance to win the latest in outdoor gear and apparel, worth hundreds of dollars!

A photostream of new fall clothing & gear in the shop. More to come!

Receive a free full year subscription to Outside Magazine with the purchase of $90 or more in Merrell footwear, while supplies last.

Pickup your coupon card in the shop at time of transaction. Visit merrell.com/outsidemag to claim your subscription. Must be redeemed by October 31, 2009.

This weekend is a great time to stock up on Bookbags, Clothing, Footwear & more at your local GOPC!

For 2009, the dates are Friday, August 7th through Sunday, August 9th. Clothing, footwear, and school supplies of $100 or less per item; school instructional materials of $300 or less per item; sports and recreation equipment of $50 or less per item.

More INFO on NC DOR Site