Monday, February 24, 2014

Sk8 the State + Vanilla = 4-ever!


Sk8 the State is not an easy roll on our skates, each year we take it upon ourselves to go big to raise awareness and funds for MS research. And each year we have Vanilla Skates backing us 100 percent! We could not be more thankful for them and what they have done and continue to do for Sk8 the State for MS. Now lets look at the skates I (Mo Payne) have rolled on and why Vanilla boots rock. Of course not only do I just wear these skates while sk8ing but I play roller derby in these suckers as well.

Let me start by saying if I was more conservative I would get the boot I like most year after year. But when Vanilla asks us, what boot we want, the grass is always greener, and every year I get a different style. Which makes for a good review of their boots and something shiny, new and exciting for me.

{These boots are in no particular order}

Vanilla Curves:
I believe these are hands down one of my all time favorite boots. (PS I still put them on from time to time just because I love them so much.) This skate needs a toe cover on it as soon as you get it. Curves have a nice tight fit with lots of cushion. This boot allows your ankle to flow freely. The flap on the boot goes under a strap to keep t it in place because of this no need for velcro, and the laces are protected. The heel portion of the skate is my favorite it did not wear out or fall apart even after two years of wear and tear. The only thing I ever had to replace on this boot was the insole. If you ask me that is pretty awesome. (My son also skates in these, they are adorable in a small size.)


Vanilla Brass Knuckles:
This was my first and only “boot made for derby.” I liked this boot a lot. Once it was broken in it was like home. As I broke them in the material stretched out a bit for sock like comfort. The ankle support in this boot was at a medium level so the perfect level of support but not so high that your ankle would be rubbed raw. These boots are still rolling. Lent them to a new skater (Barbie) and 2 years later he is still in them and loving them. I often remind him how many miles I alone put on them before he started putting miles on them. They are well used and he has had no issue, they are not blown out or ripped even after 4 years of hard use.
*This is the only boot that PBR has ever had and I whole heartedly believe she will NEVER skate in another boot! She swears by them.

Vanilla Straight Jackets:
The straight jackets and my feet fought for months during the break in period. I loved everything about them though. Low in the ankle for free movement. It was nice to be able to adjust the pressure on your foot with all the straps. You really have a lot of control to adjust everything you need and want with the rad looking straps. If you are looking for a sexy boot this is the one. I love the way it looks. At first I felt like this boot is not for the wide footed skater but after the break in period it opens up nicely for a comfortable fit.

Vanilla Tiffany Diamonds:
This is a sleek and fancy looking boot. The padding around the ankle is awesome. A midrange ankle support boot, not too restrictive but not flow free, a nice happy medium. I never had troubles with rubbing on my ankles at all. I like the lace cover that just comes across to save you strings and keep them in place. The velcro stayed firm and in place very well and did not wear out.

Vanilla Walker Diamond:
I am working on breaking this boot in as we speak. I asked for a black and white boot. What a sharp looking boot is, WOW! So far the break in is not too bad at all. Seems to be a pretty comfortable boot. The ankle is about midrange on this boot too and is not restrictive. I am doing something a little different here and this plate has jam plugs in it. I have big plans of fully breaking this boot in to be used first while skating in a burlesque show with Danielle Colby from American Pickers...but that is really a whole other blog post right?

Sincerely,
 
Mo Payne thankful, humbled, Vanilla boot lover/hoarder

PS: I have skated in three other types of boots and Vanilla is the way to go!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

I'm a BONTliever!

If you would have asked me 2 years ago what "compression pants" were I would have stated something along the lines of "Huh?!" or "is this some sort of skinny jean long john technique for the cool kids?" however present date I have first leg experience in them, as I am now a "wearer" and a BONTliever! If you are unaware of what I am talking about, let me break it down: Did you know that material can be formulated to help your body properly function during physical activity? Well it can and Bont did. They used 82%Nylon 18% Lycra © with Ciba © technology along with strengthened seam construction borrowed from wetsuit technology to enhance durability and made magic happen on my legs! Basically you know when you are swimming and your legs just fell like they are dancing thru the water weightless? That's what my legs feel like when on the track but I have complete control over them.

Frankly it's gotten to the point that I'm considering getting them permanently attached to my body... As an avid sk8r and athlete who trains frequently, I have found that with the use of these form fitting pants that stabilize major muscle groups & joints from vibrations that my legs are going above and beyond the call of duty. They are actually enjoying the experience greatly! The supportive nylon reduces fatigue, increases blood flow and prevents lactic acid built up which are common issues during the journey of Sk8 the State. Our bodies eventually say along the way "Hay man... now you're just being mean.." but yet we still must press on within our mission. This year we were blessed to have Bont join our mission and contribute these gifts from the heavens straight to our limbs that need it most. I forsee much ease on the horizons of Texas having Bont by our side and on our "go getters."

Words can't express how thankful all of us in Team Ironfeet are for this gracious offering. My inner mermaid is very happy to the addition as well. Every year we must grow after listening to our bodies. Those 958miles to date take their tolls however we continue to prevail with the inspiration and support within this event.

Forever Grateful,

Libby "PBR" Claeys