Saturday, July 2, 2011

Somnio Nada Review and GIVEAWAY!

Giveaway is now closed!
 
  Before the Nada's graced my life I had overlooked Somnio since it catered to those who wanted a padded, cushioned, stabilizing running shoe.  And then out of nowhere the Nadas appear. Typically there is huge hype and lead up to a shoe's release but I don't think there was much of one for the Nadas or if there was I missed it.  What a stellar first try for Somnio!   I have heard that Nada stands for No Anterior  Drop Applied or the Spanish word for "nothing".  Either way, it's an excellent name.



  The shoe is zero drop and just a smidge under 4 oz according to my kitchen scale. This is close to half the weight of my other minimal shoes. The collar is smooth and soft and the sockliner is soft as well with no irritating seams to rub.   With just about every shoe I have owned there is at least one spot on one of the shoes that rubs the wrong way.  Not the case for me with the Nadas.  I have yet to have any rubbing or blistering from these.  It seems to be a necessary evil inherent to shoes that there is the dreaded break in period.  This has become an even more intensely unpleasant experience having gone barefoot for so long now.  I am pleased to say that there was no break in period with the Nadas and I have only worn them without socks.  The ability to wear them sockless just adds to the ground feel as well comfort.

 This crazy cat I know, Jesse Scott, had minor issue with them rubbing although he wear tested them while winning a 12 hour ultra.  I remember seeing his shoe and thinking they were shiny and cool looking.  Later on I discovered that they were the Nadas.   The race director of said 12 hour ultra , Shelley Viggiano, also tested them out.  She is a long time barefoot/minimal shoe wearing ultra runner and she adores the Nadas as she so eloquently states in her review.  I agree with her sentiments and am pleased to have found such a lite shoe that meets the needs of  a road runner.

  I could see these being a great racing flat with a 6mm midsole although currently I use them for regular wear when it is not prudent to barefoot.  Lately its been hot and if I decide to wear shoes to provide protection from the hot asphalt I have been choosing the Nadas.  A lite and flexible mesh upper provides enough ventilation and yet keeps stuff out of the shoe.
Very simply, with a little bit of shiny silver for style, this shoe is a piece of rubber with an upper attached to it. Just what is needed and no more.  They didn't over do it and put in a bunch of fancy details that only sound impressive in the description and yet detract from actual natural running.   Funny how its a compliment to say so much about what they didn't do!!

  They are a tad bit squishy in that they absorb energy that I would prefer would go into elastic recoil of my own body although the ground feel is still adequate. I can still feel rocks and sticks and terrain and even temperature.   I prefer the VIVOBAREFOOT soles as they are firm and yet thin  however the Nada's are so lite that it balances out the pro's and con's.  If the Somnio Nadas and VIVOBAREFOOT Evos had babies, the spawn would be a perfect shoe.  The weight of the Nadas combined with the puncture resistant sole of the Evos would be fabulous.


  The Nadas are definitely a road running shoe as you can see from the photo. They provide excellent traction on the roads being grippy and flat.   They are shiny and simple. I know I mentioned the shiny already but they are fun looking shoes and shiny makes me feel faster!

  The only downside that I know of is that I have heard that they do not last very long as the EVA breaks down quickly. I have not however heard of someone wearing them completely out so the jury is still out on that one.  I have not personally experienced this however I only use them as a supplement to my barefoot running.  I don't walk around in them as I would really like to make them last as a running shoe and not put added wear on them.   They are priced at $80 and is reasonable (comparatively) in the shoe world. 

  When ordering, you must take into consideration that these run  REALLY BIG.  About a full size too big.  So order smaller than your usual shoe size.  They come with a training DVD that goes over some strengthening exercises that address the transition to a minimal shoe.  My personal opinion is that doing the act you are training for in a slow methodical way is the best training method.  So going barefoot, even if its for training purposes, will acclimate you to minimal shoe wear. Doing drills in shoes will not. Its a matter of your body being able to feel how its supposed to move which is not possible in shoes of any kind although minimal shoes are the next best thing.  If you don't want to go barefoot then take it easy and slow and start landing midfoot, shorter steps, with upright posture.  I didn't get that from the DVD.  I do applaud Somnio for taking some responsibility and addressing the issue of possible injury if you just jump into minimal shoes having come from big padded, cushioned, stabilizing trainers.


   Being incredibly flexible in all ranges of motion with a wide toe box, makes for accommodation of natural splay of the midfoot. They have an Asymmetric lacing system which in my experience has eliminated any discomfort along the top of my foot from the lacing.

So they got it spot on for the main points that must be present in a minimal shoe. Lite, flexible, adequate ground feel, protection from temperature and terrain, soft insole, and suited for terrain that they were meant for.

Want to try a pair??   Somnio is offering up a pair to a lucky winner!
Here are the rules to the giveaway and as always post a separate comment for each thing that you do.  Each comment will count as an entry.  The winner will be chosen using Random.org a week from today on July 9th and I will announce the winner the next day.
  • Go Like Somnio on Facebook
  • Write on their wall that you are participating in this giveaway
  • Like Barefoot Angie Bee on Facebook
  • Link up this giveaway and spread the word!  Blog, facebook, twitter, whatever and leave a separate comment for each that you do.
  • Follow this blog and if you already do leave a comment for that
  • Have you tried barefoot and/or minimal shoe running? 
Easy stuff and the more you do the better your odds!!   Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend! 


218 comments:

1 – 200 of 218   Newer›   Newest»
I'm The Doula said...

Liked Somnio!

I'm The Doula said...

Wrote on their wall!

I'm The Doula said...

Following the blog!

I'm The Doula said...

I'm a new minimalist convert and running pain free for the first time in years.

Penny said...

I follow you girl.

Penny said...

I like Somnio on fb and commented on their wall about your giveaway. Plus I let them know I really need to win these cool looking shoes.

Penny said...

I trying to get back some of my mileage with my vff's that I lost when I had that peroneal tendon problem from progressing to fast. I just got some Saucony Kinvara 2. Hoping that will help me in my transition with the vff's. Slow and steady this time.

Penny said...

shared giveaway on my fb page

Penny said...

I like you on fb

pepster said...

Like the look of these.

SummitLife said...

I follow you on Facebook (how I learned of this giveaway)

SummitLife said...

I follow your blog (love it!)

SummitLife said...

I "liked" Somnio on FB.

SummitLife said...

I let them know on their FB that I am participating in the giveaway

SummitLife said...

I tweeted the giveaway

SummitLife said...

I shared the giveaway on FB

SummitLife said...

I shared the giveaway on dailymile

SummitLife said...

I love the idea of barefoot/minimalist running. It makes sense to me. I'm not able to run very much right now due to ITBS, but I plan to keep the transition to minimalist going once I am running again. I have some VFF Treks.

avenging angle said...

I liked Somnio on FB.

avenging angle said...

I also wrote on their wall (my first name is Stephanie if you want to check).

avenging angle said...

I also liked Barefoot Angie Bee--that is, I did it a while ago. I'm not sure if it counts again, but if it does, yay.

avenging angle said...

I also follow your blog via Google Reader.

avenging angle said...

I have tried barefoot running but our neighborhood was hit by a tornado about a month ago and there's still glass (and splinters) all over the sidewalk and in the streets so I can't run barefoot without driving somewhere else, so I don't very often. I do own a pair or two of NB 101s, which is partway there.

Unknown said...

I like Somnio on facebook!

Unknown said...

I Like your facebok page

Unknown said...

I shared on facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/christine.h.jensen/posts/122347824520194

Unknown said...

I follow your blog

Unknown said...

I have not tried barefoot/minimalist running..I am intrigued by it, but a bit leary as I have had a few friends run into injuries caused by thier forays into minimalist/barefoot running. I have a midfoot strike naturally so I don't benefit as much as someone who heel strikes.

I have wanted to get a pair of racing flats to do speed training and for racing shorter races and these look like a fabulous option for flats. :)

Vanessa said...

I already follow your blog!

Vanessa said...

Already like you on FB!

Vanessa said...

I liked Somnio on FB

Vanessa said...

I posted this giveaway on FB!

Vanessa said...

I tweeted about this giveaway

Vanessa said...

Minimalist/barefoot running? Um... ya I guess you can say that ;)

Vanessa said...

Wrote on their wall and told them you sent me!

Platt said...

Liked Somnio on facebook.

Platt said...

Wrote on Somnio's wall.

Platt said...

Liked you on facebook.

Platt said...

I am a follower.

Richelle said...

I'm a follower.

Richelle said...

I like you on FB.

Richelle said...

I tested out Newtons, but didn't like them. I like my Vibrams, but I will use them more when I'm not in heavy training mode.

Agelrunningman said...

I would lime to try a pair of the somnia out :)

Agelrunningman said...

did I mentioned. I like the look of the somnia :)

Katie Kift said...

Okay liked angieB on FB and If I win Shacky can have the shoes.. Let's see if the karma goes both ways?

Katie Kift said...

Like somino on FB

Katie Kift said...

Already follow your blog

Katie Kift said...

Barefoot and minimalist running - that sounds kind of cool, maybe I should try that..;) Okay joking!

Katie Kift said...

Reposted on FB.

Katie Kift said...

Oh and I wrote on Somino's wall.. I think that's an extra entry, if it isn't then karma will forgive me.

Anonymous said...

Ok Angie.. I like you, I wrote on the wall, shared your giveaway.. and yes I've run barefoot! I want to try these!!!!

Trigoose said...

Angie,

Thanks for all the great product reviews and for giving me the gift of barefoot running.

Each day that I get to feel the road meet the soles of my feet is a gift and brings a smile to my face. I love it!

I have never tried minamilist shoes...went straight from cushion to barefoot. I would love to give these Somnios a try!

derscott said...

How wide is the toe box. Do they come in EE+ sizes?

~K~ said...

i liked Somnio on fb!

~K~ said...

WROTE about the giveaway on Somnio's fb wall

~K~ said...

i like Barefoot Angie Bee on fb

~K~ said...

i follow your blog!

~K~ said...

so far i still prefer cushiony shoes for my running...but i find the barefoot movemt interesting...

My {extra}ordinary Life said...

I liked Somnio on FB!

My {extra}ordinary Life said...

I wrote on Somnio's wall about the giveaway!

My {extra}ordinary Life said...

I liked your blog on FB!

My {extra}ordinary Life said...

I linked to the giveaway on FB!

My {extra}ordinary Life said...

I REALLY want to try minimalist running, but I bought regular running shoes recently, before I discovered the minimalist movement and I just can't justify spending the money until the others wear out. :(

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog, but no FB for me. That being said, this is a tempting shoe. One of my issues/worries is that in a minimalist shoe (currently the Merrell Trail Glove), when I get on the road, I revert back to my heel strike - which cannot be good.

Distancehorse said...

I want these shoes! I have been wearing VFF's nearly a year and am looking for something new!

Distancehorse said...

I tried on some Merrell Trail gloves yesterday. I can't say that I was excited about the feel. Especially for $110.

Distancehorse said...

I would be unable to run(knee arthritis) if it weren't for VFF's. I would assume the same for other minimalist type shoes. Would love to try the Somnio's.

Distancehorse said...

It is tough choosing the next shoe. I am interested in the VFF Treksports but considering going to something else. I had not heard of the Somnio's until your post. Thanks.

misszippy said...

Like Somnio

misszippy said...

Left them a comment

misszippy said...

Like you on FB

misszippy said...

Follow you!

misszippy said...

Linking on my blog

misszippy said...

Tweeting

misszippy said...

Posting on my FB page

Amy said...

I liked somnio on fb.

Amy said...

I follow you on fb.

Amy said...

Posting this on my blog.

Suzy said...

I like Somnio on FB

Suzy said...

I wrote on Somnio's wall.

Suzy said...

I like you on FB.

Suzy said...

I follow your blog.

Suzy said...

I have not tried minimal shoes. Although I am researching them to figure out what would be good for me to try out once I'm past my marathon.

S Club Mama said...

I like Somino on FB

S Club Mama said...

I commented on their wall https://www.facebook.com/ra.schmid/posts/10150229916287285

S Club Mama said...

I like you on FB

S Club Mama said...

I follow this blog!

S Club Mama said...

I've ran barefoot once on my treadmill awhile ago. I liked it because my feet were just hot in my shoes. I'd love to get more into it though.

S Club Mama said...

I shared on FB
https://www.facebook.com/ra.schmid/posts/251556521525750

S Club Mama said...

I tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/sclubmama/status/87578084819222528

BabyWeightMyFatAss said...

I like somnio on Fb!

BabyWeightMyFatAss said...

I like your new FB page!

BabyWeightMyFatAss said...

I follow you!

BabyWeightMyFatAss said...

Posted on my FB page!

BabyWeightMyFatAss said...

I'm close to trying bf running. To many injuries in the last year!

BabyWeightMyFatAss said...

I also tweeted on FB under Babyweightmfa !

T. Buckner said...

Nice write-up, interesting shoe, would love to give em a try

Durty Feets said...

Liked somnio

Durty Feets said...

Posted on somnio wall

Durty Feets said...

Like you on facebook

Durty Feets said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Durty Feets said...

Already following you

Durty Feets said...

Barefoot and minimal for a while. 3 glorious miles this morning with my wife.

Durty Feets said...

Reblogged about this on durtyfeets.blogspot.com

Amanda said...

I LIKE Somnio on Facebook

Amanda said...

I commentedon their wall.

Amanda said...

I linked this giveeaway on my blog sidebar www.fatwuzhere.blogspot.com

Amanda said...

I follow this blog.

Amanda said...

I am a minimalist runner with some barefootin when the mood strikes. :)

HD said...

Liked Somnio on FB :)

HD said...

Wrote on their wall :)

HD said...

Like Barefoot Angie Bee on FB :)

HD said...

Shared on my FB page :)

HD said...

Shared on Twitter :)

HD said...

Linked to my blog sidebar :)

HD said...

Already follow your blog :)

HD said...

I've got a pair of Merrell Pace Gloves I've tried and I'm still getting used to them. I think I'm really going to like the minimalist/barefoot when I get used to it.

Jennifer said...

Liked Somnio on Facebook.

Jennifer said...

Liked your FB page

Jennifer said...

I just posted about this on my FB page.

Jennifer said...

I tried barefoot running like it but when I got an infection from some blisters had to stop. Would love to work with an Ohio based barefoot expert but cant find one. Since Nov of 2010 I have been a minimalist runner and love it. My back and knees dont hurt when I run anymore.

Rory dela Paz said...

Liked Somnio before the giveaway. Posted on their wall that you sent me. Liked your FB page. Tweeted and FB'ed this page.

I've been running on the Luna Sandals for the past year. Ran a half marathon wearing them. Also ran a half marathon on the Soft Star Shoes' Runamocs. And more recently, ran a 5K barefoot.

The Somnio Nadas sound like they're a good alternative on easy days.

Rory dela Paz said...

Oh, and I follow your blog!

Courtney @ I CAN DO THIS said...

I linked to your giveaway on my blog

Courtney @ I CAN DO THIS said...

I have a pair of inov-8's that I have worn a few times. They definitely take some getting used to. I've run on the TM without shoes before and it feels amazing.
Love the name of these shoes!

Amy said...

I like Somnio on facebook.

Amy said...

And now I like Barefoot Angie Bee on facebook.

Amy said...

I already follow and enjoy this blog.

Amy said...

I run/walk/live barefoot. I have a pair of VFF for places that require shoes and I've tried them in a 5k.

Unknown said...

I run barefoot once or twice a week.
This will be great for hot day's.

Detroit Runner(Jeff) said...

I liked their website on Facebook

Detroit Runner(Jeff) said...

I left a comment on their facebook page that you sent me there!

Detroit Runner(Jeff) said...

I already follow your blog

Detroit Runner(Jeff) said...

I have not tried barefoot running or minimal running but have an interest in it.

Ryan said...

like you on facebook.

FlyCorey said...

Posted on my blog

zapmamak said...

here goes... liked you on FB!

zapmamak said...

and again... liked Somnio of FB.

zapmamak said...

I wonder if Somnio even makes shoes in my size?? I have trouble finding minimalist shoes from everyone else.

zapmamak said...

OK... wrote on Somnio's wall.

zapmamak said...

whew... getting tired...*panting*... OK so now I FB'd all my buds about this giveaway and a link to your blog.

zapmamak said...

I already follow you, girl!

Brandon said...

I follow you already!

Brandon said...

I liked Somnio on Facebook!

Brandon said...

I put a link to this post on my blog!

Brandon said...

I've tried (and still do) minimalist running. I've tried barefoot as well, but don't do as much of it these days as I train for a marathon.

Brandon said...

I tweeted about the contest!

Lisa Olson said...

I Like'd Somnio on Facebook!

Lisa Olson said...

I wrote on Somnio's wall!

Lisa Olson said...

I like'd Barefoot Angie Bee on Facebook!

Lisa Olson said...

I've been following your blog for several months now...love it!

Lisa Olson said...

I started running 1 year ago and switched to barefoot (minimalist shoe) running 8 months ago! I use the Vibram's right now and love them! These shoes look great, would love to give them a try!

*~*~* Tracy said...

I like Somnio on FB

*~*~* Tracy said...

I wrote on their wall

*~*~* Tracy said...

I like you on FB

*~*~* Tracy said...

Linked on my blog

*~*~* Tracy said...

I have a pair of Neos...did too much too soon and have a stress fracture, but will be at it again as soon as I get the all clear

*~*~* Tracy said...

I tweeted (tracyrunning)

*~*~* Tracy said...

Shared on FB too

migangelo said...

do i have to leave as many posts as others? i liked you and somnio on FB and am posting here. good.

Mike

MCM Mama said...

I like Somnio!

MCM Mama said...

I wrote on their wall.

MCM Mama said...

I like BF Angie Bee on FB.

MCM Mama said...

I follow you.

MCM Mama said...

I've been running minimalist with a little bit of barefoot for almost three months now.

Jeff Vanis said...

Liked them on FB

Jeff Vanis said...

Left a comment on FB

Jeff Vanis said...

following your blog!

Jeff Vanis said...

I have tried VFFs, but am intrigued by a more "shoe" design that is easier to get in and out of.

Jeff Vanis said...

Posted a link on FB

Jeff Vanis said...

Sent a Twitter message

Jeff Vanis said...

Linked on my blog

Molly said...

like 'em : )

Molly said...

wrote on their wall : )

Molly said...

follower of the blogeroo...

Molly said...

I tried barefoot running when I ran after my dog : )

but honestly, I tried it a few times and it made me realize what I can do with my form.

Molly said...

I thought I liked you on facebook, but I do now!!

Molly said...

and now, I shall tweet. : )

Anonymous said...

Like Somnio on FB

Anonymous said...

Followed your blog (surprised I hadn't already!)

Anonymous said...

I have always Liked you! (and on FB too)

Anonymous said...

wrote on Somnio's wall

Anonymous said...

Been running minimalist for a couple of years, regularly for the last year. Trying to do more and more barefoot, but struggling with blisters. . .

Margothere said...

I follow your blog, and I have only run barefoot on the treadmill over the winter and been wearing Merrill's Pace Glove for the last few months. I really like the shoe - travels very nicely to boot - but have been interested in trying one that's a little more road oriented. I'll be giving these a go one way or another. Thanks for the review!

fmagic said...

Liked Somnio on FB

fmagic said...

Liked Barefoot Angie Bee on FB

fmagic said...

I follow your blog. Keep up the great work!

fmagic said...

I have tried running (completely) barefoot but I love my minimalist shoes such as the Merrell Trail Gloves. I wish I had the time (and confidence) to build up to running completely bare more often.

Jeanette said...

I liked Somnio on facebook

Jeanette said...

Wrote on their wall

Jeanette said...

No I have never tried barefoot or minimal shoe running. It makes me nervous to try since I am flat footed and need lots of foot support

Tricia said...

and like you on FB

Tricia said...

and like them on FB

Tricia said...

I tinker with barefoot running, especially when I feel like I need a reminder in form

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

I liked Somnio on FB.
shelly cable

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

I wrote on their wall but with a washable marker I swear! ;-)

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

I like BAB on FB.

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

I follow your escapades!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Before treadmill died...sniffle sniffle, I would run on the treadmill barefoot and on the road/soft shoulder with LBM after my run. I haven't ran barefoot for more than a half mile in months. Just too many others things to fit in. I'd love to try these out to get back into free my feet a bit! thanks for the chance

Cassie said...

I liked them on FB

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