Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 52, November 2013 | Page 40

Reviews

TRIED &
TESTED

Great new gear, products
and other bits and bobs
put to the test by the
Modern Athlete team.

Hi-Tec Luca

The ?rst thing myself and the guys in the of?ce said was “Wow, they are
so light!” They weigh in at just 210 grams – so light it feels like you’re
barefoot, but the super-?exible IMEVA midsole rubber still provides great
cushioning. Now, even after running in racers for the last year or so, I
was not still sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. After ?ve
kays, I looked down and realised that I was actually in a different, brand
new pair of shoes. They just felt so comfortable, with no problems just
jumping into a pair and kicking off! – Craig van der Westhuizen

GET THEM: R399 at Hi-Tec stores in Cape Town (Kenilworth, Kuils
River & Montague Gardens), Johannesburg (Kya Sands) and Pretoria
(Kolonnade), or via www.hi-tecdirect.co.za. (More info: 021 606 6900.)

Injinji Performance 2.0 Run
Toe Socks

I will be the ?rst to admit that I have soft, sensitive feet, so my toes
have never quite gotten used to running in Vibram’s Five Fingers
barefoot technology shoes, because my tootsies just can’t seem to get
used to the feeling of rubber, leather and seams between them. Also, I
am not used to running without socks, which is necessary with Vibrams,
since none of my socks ‘?t’ into the ?ve-toe design… but now, thanks
to these Injinji socks, I can now run in my Vibrams without my toes
kicking up a fuss. They have the same ?ve-toe design, thus keeping
my toes happy and also allowing my feet to glide into the snug-?tting
Vibrams a lot more smoothly and comfortably. – Sean Falconer

GET THEM: From R110 to R180 (depending on style) at Sportsmans

My02 Therapeutic Gel
Most of us know about the antiin?ammatory properties of Arnica
oil or gel, extracted from the root
of the arnica plant, but I have to
be honest, I had to Google horse
chestnut to ?nd out what it is when
I read that it is the other active
ingredient of this new therapeutic gel.
Like arnica, it is a plant extract, but
what caught my attention is that horse
chestnut contains Escin, which opens
up the capillaries (smallest blood
vessels), allowing more oxygen and
nutrients to reach sore or damaged
muscles and ligaments. Well, since
my knee was giving me grief, I knew
exactly where I would be testing this
new gel… It smells great (minty),
is cool on the skin, and requires a
bit of ‘elbow grease’ to rub in fully,
which means you’re massaging the
sore area thoroughly in the process,
further promoting quicker healing.
Works for me. – Sean Falconer

GET IT: R122.50 for a 150ml tube, from leading pharmacies (or ask for
a stockist nearby at [e-mail].)
40

ISSUE 52 NOVEMBER 2013 / www.modernathlete.co.za

Warehouse, Drifters and Athletes Foot.

Second Skins
Activskins Sun
Protection
Long-sleeve
Crew Neck Top

Second Skins is a Cape-based company
specialising in sports clothing and gear,
from running and cycling to swimming.
Also in the range are various UVresistant sun-protection items which
form part of the company’s ‘Keep You
Cool’ range, and I tested out this longsleeve top. It’s super lightweight and
body-hugging, so very comfortable to
run in, plus I could literally feel the cooling effect, even when out in the
sun. Naturally, the white colour re?ected much of the heat and UV rays,
and I found the top to be quick-drying and great at moisture-wicking. Best
of all, no chafe under my arms, despite my ?rst thoughts about the seam
being a bit thick. – Sean Falconer

GET IT: R249 at selected retailers nationwide, or online at
www.secondskins.co.za.