Vibram Komodo Sport, SmartChargeand
Zeal HD Camera Goggle
Vibram Komodo Sport
With barefoot running almost becoming mainstream, Vibram’s multi-toed FiveFingers have been the ideal footwear option. Now it has versions for the non-runner market too, including the Komodo Sport, intended for gym work and cross trainers.
The same positive bio-mechanical principles apply – barefoot has plenty of powerful evangelists – but with a few customisations. There’s a stitch-free, seamless 2mm footbed to cut down on friction. Velcro straps keep them firmly in place and stretch the uppers snuggly around the foot. They come in a range of sizes, but you need to try them for best fit as they don’t necessarily convert from your standard shoe size.
From good outdoors and sports retailers, rrp €130.
SmartCharge
Here’s a new idea from a local start-up. It’s a portable charger for smartphones and tablets that anyone can bring with them, but they’re also supplying them to businesses such as hotels, bars and restaurants for their customers. Just plug your hardware into the neat SmartCharge unit and relax. The units themselves are iPhone styled and a business can even have its identity applied for a bit of branding ownership.
From smartcharge.ie, €48
Zeal HD Camera Goggle
Zeal make high-end optic goggles. This is its latest innovation, yet is probably the most obvious thing it's done in years – stick a discreet HD camera in the middle of the goggle and bingo, you're carving and shooting at the same time. The HD camera offers 1080p HD video and 8MP stills. It shoots 170 °wide-angle for maximum landscape with glove-friendly controls on the side, so it's easy to get all Scorsese on your downhill.Its rechargeable L-ion battery lasts about 3 hours. Zeal HD Camera Goggle $399 from zealoptics.com