Tried and tested - Tiscali Shopping

Take a look at this week's tried and tested products to see new product releases before they hit the shops and what we recommend to get you fit.

OverBoard, designer and manufacturer of waterproof travel and sports gear have launched a range of Dry Tube bags. These 100% waterproof, lightweight bags are ideal for beach bums, festival followers, keen campers and wild watersporters and are available now at www.over-board.co.uk starting from just £9.99.

What we thought: I filled the bag with items of clothing to test for any leakages, but I am assured that the bag is airtight when sealed properly so I feel safe filling the tube with even my most prized possesions on the off chance of any burst pipes etc over the winter months. I am tempted to send my teenage son of on a 3 week expedition up mountains and down Dales, just to see how long the tube would keep his socks dry! The only downside is he wouldn't be seen dead carrying a bright yellow duffle style bag, so that leave me I suppose, see you in 3 weeks or so after my expedition up Everest.

"Every step you take in the FitFlop™ helps tone and trim your legs. The FitFlop's uniquely built multi-density midsole activates muscles midstep to help tone your thighs, your calves and your glutes."

What we thought: These certainly won't be the prettiest looking footwear items in your suitcase but they'll certainly be the healthiest! Initial impressions were "Err, they look spongey and orthopaedic, and my already-wide feet are going to look enormous in these!". Whilst it's true they are clumpy, wide and heavy-set, the FitFlop™ does seem to have been designed with a purpose in mind so I needed to know whether the claims that they would tone muscle, improve posture, burn calories and reduce cellulite were true.
The thick white heavily cushioned sole using "micro-wobble board technology" meant that at first they weren't that easy to walk in, but then that's the point. By "destabilising your foot slightly", the FitFlop™ makes you work harder to retain balance with every step. As you walk, the bounce of the cushioned sole definitely helped to absorb shock, reducing impact on the important areas like your feet, knees and back (as we get older this is an impressive benefit of other flip flop) whilst the the thick, supportive (but rather ugly) straps and the slightly up-curved edges of the shoe meant that the feet sat in the middle and were held firmly in place. Having used them for a few days now, I've become quite attached to the pair. However, on a couple of occasions the toe separator started to rub the skin around the area which made my feet quite sore. They say that those with a high arch may not find the FitFlop™ suitable. I do have quite a high arch and I did notice they were slightly awkward to walk in. My left foot found it difficult to stay flat as I walked - at first it constantly slid out to the right making it a frustrating battle to keep it locked in place comfortably. That said, a colleague with no feet problems experienced no issues wearing the FitFlops™ and found them very comfortable the more she wore them.

While the style-conscious amongst us might have a little trouble adapting them to outfits (they've got a little wedge that've very this season but sadly that's it), they've certainly managed to isolate the core muscle groups, allowing me to concentrate more on my walking technique and posture. The trick is to use the FitFlops™ progressively. I can't say I've noticed any cellulite reduction but I have definitely been able to feel the muscle tension in the backs of my calves when I do use them for extended periods of time, which can only mean one thing - something good is happening!

FitFlops™ are available from King's Road Sporting Club in black, red and blue in sizes 4-8.

Reviewed July 2007.
  £36

"In contrast to the rest of the iconic Tuned series the TN8, designed by Brian Foresta, gives a higher comfort zone, helps the foot lock in to the shoe better and increases natural motion fit for an urban environment."

What we thought: This trainer effortlessly combines modern technology with influences from the Air Max 95 shoe, one of Nike's best designs to date. They look great, feel great and perfectly cushion my feet when training.

Designed exclusively for Foot Locker since the series launched in 1998, the TN8 is an evolution of Nike's industry-leading Air technology. It combines the ultimate in cushioning whilst leading in sneaker style, ensuring the sneakers adaptability for real life.
  £89.99

"This air-based resistance trainer has been specially designed to strengthen and define your upper body by using your own strength to generate resistance that increases as you grow stronger."

What we liked: Easy to set up with limited moving parts. It had easy to follow instructions. Comfortable to use and good controlled movement.
What we weren't so keen on: Not enough resistance so didn't really feel like a work out, therefore it might be more suited to older men or women. Found that it had a limited range of movement. Limited use on body parts. Wheel control felt a bit clunky and cheap.
Reviewed November 2006.
 

"...has a built in arial and earphone socket and picks up a signal wherever there is one. Alternatively the Eurohike Wind up and solar radio has a solar panel to charge itself from the sun's rays."

What we liked: Really easy to use. Just make sure you familiarise yourself with the instructions before-hand in case you need to use it an emergency. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that as well as being an FM/AM radio, it was also a light, personal alarm and mobile phone charger. The perfect gift for any teenagers going travelling or for walking enthusiasts. It is also handy to carry in your car in case of emergency or perhaps to provide entertainment.
What we weren't so keen on: The radio antenae was weak and actually borke off, so I would be careful when adjusting it. Other than that I was very impressed.

Available in pink and blue.
Reviewed December 2006
 

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