Tsubo Focas Shoe : Minimalist Sneaker with Major Style

Gerald is a professional musician, accomplished amateur photographer, and a gym buddy with a kick-ass collection of funky workout footwear. Because he hails from Montreal he speaks French. He's also highly opinionated in that Francophile "my style is better than your style" sort of way.  He also loves to give me grief whenever possible...especially when it comes to my shoes. So when I walked into the gym earlier this month in my stealth black minimalist Tsubo Focas vulcanized-rubber-soled sneakers, his eyes grew wide. Serious hash-slinging ensued.

His opening shot: "You look like a ninja rock-climber." Taking that as a compliment, I dropped into a low martial arts stance, which brought me frighteningly close to his garish lime green dogs. I said he looked radioactive, and waited for the next round.

"Those shoes look beyond uncomfortable."

"Au contraire," I replied.   In fact, the shoe, made of snug-fitting stretchy fabric with lacing loops and an elasticized collar, is as easy to slip into as a well-made slipper and just as comfortable. With just six subtle black and red racing stripes on the inside half of the shoe, the Focas gave him nothing to pick on, but he tried anyway. "Did they come with a fez? Do Shriners get a discount?"

Of course I knew it was envy talking, a sure sign that my sneaks had passed the cool test. Later in the workout, he had me put my Focas up on a bench. He eyed the durable rubber toe cap and wraparound heel. "But do they provide any traction whatsoever?" he asked, clearly having lost confidence in his attack.   "Gerald," I said. "these bad boys will navigate banana peels on ice."

He could not have known that Tsubo translated literally from Japanese means "pressure point" and that the shoe is built with extra cushioning in the heel and great arch support.   So when I lifted my hoof and showed him the five red rubber 'bubbles' on the bottom - mini-shock absorbers, undeniably cool - he fell silent. Finally he asked, "Do they come in red?"

Channeling the come-together spirit of the new administration, I did not gloat.   I merely reminded him to be sure and ask for his Shriner's discount.    

Available in three colors.

Coming soon -- review of Tsubo Korph shoe for men.

Bottom Line: A flexible slip-on made of stretchy fabric that you tie with lacing loops, the Focas blends ergonomics and style. The only draw back is the little slip-on loop is a tad small for my meaty finger. -- J.G. (Jan 09)

Price : $100, ($74.99 at Online Shoes, click on icon to shop/purchase )

Manufacturer's Site : www.tsubo.com

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