The new Mutts Nutts aka Dogs B&**%X section will feature tried, tested and hammered products that stand up to the test of time that are worth their weight in gold. We would show you a pic of said dogs bits but Tyler aka Brule said I couldn't embarrass Hensley my dog in public.
First off then is this little treasure from the guys at the Valencia Group and their 661 brand - the ankle biters.
Used and abused
Now if like me your ankles have seen better days, 10 pins and a metal plate from skating Dickers Bowl at Birmingham Wheels in 1987 is my curse. Then these should be right up your street.
How do they work? First off remove your insole and place it on top of the insole of the 661 Ankle Biter. This has several faint white lines printed onto them to help you cut to size both at the top and bottom of the insole. Don't worry there is a specific left and right one so you don't need a degree in craft work.
TOP TIP: Measure twice, cut once!
No need to hold your nose
You then insert your 661 Ankle Biter into your shoe and then your original insole goes on top.
Ankle support?
You will really like the molded plastic cups and extra padding that protect your protruding ankle bones on both sides (inside and out) for when you tumble down a rock, root or even hard packed sections of the course. They say the neoprene's vented, my bum! On a hot summers day your socks are going to be damper than Spoiled Goods and Kakah's socks we found at the end of their beds in Vegas last year. Good job I live in Great Britain where the Sun is currently in hibernation. What it does do is help keep some of that mud and those annoying little stones out, you know the ones!
Turn your low tops into hi-tops!
The ankle support comes from the wrap around neoprene with those side plastic ankle cups on there that velcro at the front of your foot. Then there is a further thin velcro strap that comes across the front to secure and bolt everything down.
How did they hold up to long term abuse? O.K both after over a year of some serious abuse 3-4 days a week have finally bit the dust. That includes being thrown in the washing machine (still in shoes) at a 40 degree wash and spin dry every two weeks with a splash of Persil. I'm all for a bit of sewing my Dainese body armor but these were not repairable I'm afraid.
Does it matter? Well I still run them and they still feel secure though of course they would be even better if those straps hadn't broken away.
Last but not least there is a hand pull tab at the back to ensure all is in place.
Do these get Hensley's approval? Injured ankle or just prevention, these are the mutts nuts, "Woof" (Yes).
Hensley would cock his leg on these.
RRP £19.99 UK Stirling.
Europe:
mmasports.com USA:
sixsixone.com Canada:
sixsixonecanada.com Stay Unclipped.
Si Paton
www.Descent-Gear.com Mavic 2009 Wheelsets Instock!
Hensley
www.birminghamdogshome.org.uk Ask for Chief Barker
Good review, I'll buy a pair, anyone want to buy the left one?
Rather than spending £80 on a brand new pair of high tops to cover your injured ankle for a few weeks, you could run these for that period then store and stay with your more comfortable low tops..
However they are an arse to get your feet in.
Would consider if they where easier to get on with a low show.
Or have I just got odd feet?????????