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For seasoned BirthdayShoes veterans, you might recall discussion about Martin Berkhan's "Leangains," the original 16:8 (16 hours fasting, 8 hours eating) diet and training protocol. For example, Hugh Jackman, who we've seen photoed deadlifting in Speed FiveFingers (GOAT!), seems to adhere to a Leangains-inspired diet.

Berkhan originated 16:8 intermittent fasting+weight lifting over a decade ago on leangains.com but now has finally published the ideas, research, and program as a book: The Leangains Method. I got an early look at The Method back in April as I've been helping Martin (he's become a friend over the years) as best I can for the launch. As it turned out, in preparation for this book and having "bulked" for the prior 8 months, I took the prescribed system in The Leangains Method and used it to lean out and then review the book. Since the book launch is today, August 16^th (a.k.a. 8/16), my review just got published over on my personal site.

You can read it here. I cover what's in the book as well as my own forays and misadventures in diet and fitness over the last decade—which is a little embarrassing in review—though going through it got me to where I am today.

BirthdayShoes readers tend to be ahead of the curve, so I thought many of you all might interested in this new release. If you've ever stalled on a diet, wanted to get that six pack, or just want to understand nutrition better, reading The Leangains Method will be time well spent. And it might save you from lots of misadventures.

Find my review of Martin Berkhan's The Leangains Method at JustinOwings.com.

Shamma Sandals has updated their lineup with the adventure-ready and waterproof Ultra Chargers! The highlight of the new model is its grippy and waterproof all-weather UltraGrip footbed!

Looking for my own adventure, I put the new model to the test along the running trails and mountain hikes of Madeira Island!

Read through to see my thoughts on the new Shamma Sandals Ultra Chargers!

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Vibram’s V-Alpha is a successor to the KSO EVO as their all-around five-toed "barefoot" shoe. Taking what was already a very capable shoe and improving upon its fit, materials, and sole, the V-Alpha aims to be the best all-around shoe in the Vibram lineup.

Five years since the release of the KSO EVO, does the V-Alpha take over the crown? Vibram sent over a pair for me to find out.

Click through to find out in my review of the Vibram V-Alpha!

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Minimalism grows up with the fourth iteration of innovative dress shoes from Carets. With a polished design, good materials, and thoughtful touches that rival any fancy dress shoe, Carets has made a shoe for professionals looking to enjoy the benefits of minimal footwear.

Click through to read my review of the Caret FER V4!

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If you have kids (And yikes! I have three!), you know the struggle that is finding shoes for your kids that fit, are comfortable, and well, good for them. And this last criteria is near impossible to find—at least not at a pricepoint that is reasonable.

Enter Splay Athletics. John Poulton, who knows the pain of the parent looking for good shoes for his kids (he also has 3!), has prototyped a minimalist shoe for kids. He's kickstarting it right now and is already well on the way to hitting his goal. The shoes, as you can see above, are evocative of Toms but with a larger toe box and helpful straps. If you pledge $60 you can actually secure two pairs right away—pretty reasonable for a shoe like this.

I won't go into more detail here but if you've got kids, head over to Kickstarter, watch the video, and get Splay off the ground!

Always one for interesting designs, Softstar has released one of its boldest shoes to date, the toe-splay-happy, long-distance ready, RunAmoc Primal. Full disclosure: Justin was an early tester of the Primal RunAmoc nearly a year ago—and Softstar sent me these pair to see what I thought about them.

In short, I'm impressed, but you'll want to see my full thoughts on the Softstar RunAmoc Primal. So read on!

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