ZEMGEAR

ZemGear 360 Ninja Runners Series Shoes w/ Free B&F Heart Sticker Bundle - Black/Black Reflective

• Bundle of 2 items - ZemGear Shoes and B&F Heart Sticker
• Color: Black/Black Reflective
• Feather-light phylon outsole with GreenGrip rubber inserts
• Expanded tech-band design for increased lateral stability, 4-way stretch elastane, breathable upper
• Upper and outsole materials mold to individual foot shape

Product Details

• Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies
• ASIN: B005SXGPC6
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,747 in Shoes (See Top 100 in Shoes)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Had such high hope... June 13, 2012

By Scot D. Houtz

Got these shoes when I wanted to get into "barefoot" running because the Five Fingers brand didn't fit me so well.

For the pro's...these things are very light weight and compressible, in fact they quickly became my weight lifting shoes because they fit in a backpack much easier than my sneakers. The neoprene conforms to the foot well and snugly, minimizing slip while moving. The neoprene does hold in heat so they may be a bit uncomfortable (though I used them in 90+ degree temps and 90%+ humidity with ease), but on the flip side the heat keeping properties made wearing them in 30-45 degree temperatures more than doable. Also, for those looking for minimal heel elevation, these things provide as the sole is a few eighths of an inch thick across its entirety. Had I written this review after a few weeks I would have given them 4 stars (-1 for the lack of fit described below).

The con's...first off they come only in full sizes...8,9,10,11, etc. As a 10.5 every time I put these things on I was annoyed by the .5 inch over hang (if I paid $60 for them I want the things to be my size). I should note that I never felt unstable in them or had instance of the shoe slipping because of the size difference, but the lack of fit was noticeable.

Next the sole...first off, I mention in the pro's this has a very thin sole, but its potentially equally a con. Running on roads or light off road was doable, but stepping on any small rock, tree root / branch was very noticeable. Most times the feeling was merely "uncomfortable", but I could honestly say if I stepped on the wrong thing I could have gotten an injury (deep bruise perhaps muscle/ligament/tendon tear). They did fine on broken glass and smaller pebbles, but they tended to give me a sense of false confidence. In my opinion, while I wanted the thinnest sole possible for replication of "true barefoot running", eight months of running in these things forces me to advise using something with a bit more sole thickness for protection.

The second con for the sole is it fell apart quickly. I got these in (mid) November 2011 and by (mid) June 2012 I had to replace them. After using them for weightlifting in the gym (2 times a week) and running (1.5 times a week for 3 miles, both averages) the colored inserts on the bottom of the soles started to peel off and "flap". While I never fell flat on my face, I did trip several times because the flapped inserts hung on something. When I attempted to rip the flapped portion of the insert off the sole (admittedly not a very surgical way of proceeding) I ended up ripping out chucks of the sole base along with the loose insert.

In the end, they cost a bit less than similar shoes (Vibrams Five Fingers, etc), but don't provide near the protection and end up falling apart much too quickly for me to recommend this product.

PS - In my opinion, if you're looking for a "barefoot running" shoe that is cheap, lightweight, and provides slightly more protection than what these offer, I'd suggest searching for "water shoe". I personally had a pair of "Speedo's Men's Shore Cruiser II" laying around and they have done very well as a gym/"barefoot running" shoe. They happen to be one of the more expensive versions of water shoe at ~$30 (which is still almost half the Zemgear 360), but there are even cheaper options out there ($15-25).

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Different, in a good way January 22, 2012

By Spiffy

I've never owned a pair of barefoot running shoes, so I did not know how well I would like these. But, after using them in my workouts for the past two weeks, I don't want to go back to using regular athletic or running shoes. These shoes fit snug and become a natural part of the movement of your feet without feeling heavy. I noticed a huge difference when I was running on a track, where I no longer felt the heavy impact associated with wearing traditional shoes. Because of the lightness of these shoes and how they conform to the foot, it makes it easy to quickly change directions without feeling like you are about to trip or roll an ankle. I also use these shoes when lifting weights because of the ability to use my toes better for stability; I love using these on a leg press to better distribute the force through my feet. I have been pushing myself hard with these shoes, and they haven't shown any signs of wear that would suggest that they have issues with durability. The only downside to the shoes that I have found is you really need to start off light with your runs to avoid blisters and over stressing your tendons in your feet. But, once adjusted to wearing them, they are amazing.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Idea, Executed Well. July 1, 2012

By ComputerNinja

Size Name:Men 11|Amazon Verified Purchase

I really enjoy these split toe running shoes, they are pretty well built, with the rubber supports criss-crossing the bridge of the foot granting comfort and stability well.
However, this shoe has a few drawbacks, firstly surface for the "knife-edge" of the foot is rather thin, but it is workable. Secondly, the toes need a bit of a re-work, these shoes are designed for people who have second-toes that are the same length as their big-toes, which isn't the case for everyone (roughly 50/50 people have shorter toes); now this is probably the biggest problem, and it's not that serious because after a bit of running, the extra material just nicely molds itself upwards, giving your new shoes that "budha" look. The toes also have corners on the inside of the cut, in between the big and second toe; the corners intersect a lot, and make an almost clicking feel if you catch an angle when running, nothing serious.

All in all, these shoes are pretty good, because they're so lightweight, but they do retain water when running in wet areas, and get rather slimy in humidity (the material is more on the elastic side rather than cloth), but they never lose friction inside or outside the shoe.

The soles are pretty well made, with two differing types of rubber compound, they don't seem like they'll wear away globally very quickly, however the small treads seem like they'd lose definition in just a few runs, making these lightweight running shoes a liability if running on slick surfaces.

I give these shoes a 4/5 because they redeem themselves with a wellmade quality (not a lot of loose ends or exposed seams), and also look pretty dapper in a business suit or formal wear. Personally, I enjoy wearing these shoes specifically to the grocery store, or dentist, as the reactions are the same (you know what I mean? haha)

If you're into toe shoes, running on the balls of your feet, or looking like a ninja, these shoes would be great for you.

(oh and also the flexion point directly behind the beginning of the metatarsals on the shoe is slightly thinner, and makes a great fold when kicking during martial arts.)

I'm afraid of bats.

Product Description

The 360 is the feather-light star of ZEMs barefoot collection. The design weighs in just over 2.5 ounces and is equipped with a pliable but abrasion robust phylon outsole ideal for runners and almost any training environment.

A new and enhanced tech band design contributes increased lateral hold and stability.

Included free is the new Bold and Fearless Heart Sticker. Approx 5"x2.5". Be Bold and Fearless with Ancient Chinese Scripting and space to add your name or title. 1 free sticker per item added.

Activities
Running - Training - Conditioning - Gym Work Outs - Beach Activities - Cross Fit - Clubbing - Office - Travel - Backpacking - Vibration Training - Life

Surfaces
Roads and Light Trails, Beaches and Sand, Grass, Wood, Treadmills & Gym flooring, Work-out Mats, Indoor Flooring

Features

• Performance phylon outsole
• Gecko-Grip rubber pods deliver traction
• Split-toe pattern for ultimate "grip-ability" and barefoot sensation
• Molding upper and sole materials create individualized fit and protection
• Enhanced and expanded tech bands increase the lateral stability
• Ultimate light-weight protection

Benefits

• Ideal for barefoot running and training activities
• Unobstructed sensory feedback during all activities
• Maximal foot freedom
• Strengthens the natural arch and reconditions feet
• Proprioception improves balance and heights awareness
• Barefoot activities and exercise can help manage and mitigate stress and body fatigue

Sizing Note:
If you are normally a half size, please order UP to the next full size for proper comfortable fit.

• Men 7 - Women 8
• Men 8 - Women 9
• Men 9 - Women 10