SHOES AND CLOTHING (updated 29 Nov 10)

The real O-shoe has a sole designed to grip the steep and slippery terrain we often move on. Less obviously, it is made for the lateral forces we meet on hillsides and rough ground, forces which wreck a running shoe. It maintains its shape when wet, without going sloppy like the Touch Rugby shoe.

• Jalas Orienteering Shoes: this Finnish company makes a wide model ideal for the New Zealand foot - the "Jukola FLX". As well as rubber studs it has tiny tungsten-tipped spikes which give extra grip on rocks, steep slopes and slippery logs. We stock it from size 4 to 12 including half sizes; the price is similar to a good-quality running shoe, $245. For smaller feet we also have down to size 2 in other Jalas models, at a special price of $150.
• There are also some superceded models in stock. If these fit they will save you heaps! For prices and sizes available, see the bargain bin.
• We also have access to other models in the Jalas and Olway range. Be aware that these are narrower than the Jukola FLX, but some people especially women do have narrower feet. Those with ankle problems might like to consider the "Cross Control" which has a high top with a hinged ankle support. As used by Steve Gurney! We can size you with a "FLX" and confidently bring in the precise shoe for your requirements. We are ordering three times a year.
• We also sell Vasque trail shoes. These fill the need many of us have for endurance events - the orienteering shoe is made for events of 1-2 hours. The trail shoe has comfort features at the expense of a little extra weight. But they may appeal to those whose feet don't suit the Jalas models - not everyone's foot has the same shape. There's a womens model too. We have some sizes of the superceded Velocity (pictured) at a run-out price of $150; the replacement model is called the "Mindbender" and is $190.
• While its obviously ideal to be able to try on shoes by visiting us at an event, we have become adept at estimating size from your (NZ) street shoe size and your foot length, so ordering by mail is usually successful first try. And we keep a record of your past purchases. If you haven't bought from us before, measure your foot length and use the MAPsport Shoesize Table to estimate where you will be. When ordering, give us all the info you can: NZ and US size of any shoes you have, (US is usu used for running shoes) and your foot length.
• Insoles. The shoes we stock are chosen for their quality, and sometimes they even outlast their insoles! A selection of sizes kept as a service for you, $5.

MAPSPORT SHOP SPONSORS DEVELOPMENT SQUAD!

We have an agreement with the NZ Orienteering Federation to sponsor the Development Squad. We pay an amount for each pair of Jalas shoes we sell to orienteers, and its been worth up to $750 per year, depending on how many you buy. We're getting close to $10,000 in total! Buy Jalas and help our future elite performers!!

GAITERS

• Vavrys Gaiters. Why get scratched and torn? Protect your legs and look smart too. Vavrys is a Czech company, they supply excellent stuff. Their gaiters are very robust like the discontinued Silva gaiters; sizing is different, so let's talk about the length from where you tie your laces to just underneath your kneecap. Most people will want the 35cm size but we have smaller and larger. Any colour so long as it's black. High dollar this year drops the price $5 to $70.
• Alternatively long sox with a reinforced front. Especially favoured by elite runners who wear them in conjunction with knee-length pants. They save weight, and the drag that comes from long pants when they are very wet. The best ones come from Vavrys in Czech. Sizing is broadbanded and it seems you'll need to buy smaller than you would think. Specify your NZ/Jalas shoe size, try them on, you can always swap. Cheaper than gaiters, we've absorbed the GST rise, and a good dollar has dropped the price by 10% to $32.
• Premium Sox by Bridgedale of Ireland. An ordinary sock is fine for orienteering but mountain running and rogaining call for something special to prevent discomfort after hours on the go. The "X-Hale" is ideal for our needs, contains a mixture of coolmax, lycra and wool, price $36. We also have thin coolmax inner sox which can reduce blistering in endurance events, price $24.

CLOTHING

• From Vavrys in Czech and Sportvogl in Germany, coolmax short-sleeved tops ($90), knee-length tights ($80) and trousers ($70). We import these direct and the high dollar has enabled a $5 drop in these, hope you will understand if it goes the other way! Also sweat-absorbing bandanas ($15). "Czech-out" the Vavrys bin at events, you'll be impressed! $10 off when you buy top and trou together.
• Orienteering suits in a variety of traditional designs from Sportvogl of Germany. We've sold heaps of this gear over the years but it's being superceded by modern materials and colours. Plain full-length pants will go with any sort of top $50. Tops though have to make way for new stock, price halved to $30. We've absorbed the GST rise on these.

For mail order phone (04) 566 2645, or write to at 5 Atahu Grove, Lower Hutt 5010. We'll invoice with the goods, and you can pay by cheque, bank transfer, Visa or Mastercard. Prices shown include GST.

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