Cool Stuff of the Week #1: Inov-8 shoes, The Last of Us, Game of Thrones, and more…

I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m kind of a sucker for cool stuff. I like nifty gadgets, quirky decoration pieces, nice clothes (and shoes!), good books, and fun games.

As I know many of you are the same way, I decided to create a weekly series of posts where I just share whatever currently has my fancy.

 

INOV-8 BARE XF-210 SHOE

I’m a big fan of a proper lifting shoe. A flat sole and proper arch and ankle support make a difference, especially when you’re performing heavy squats and deadlifts.

For almost two years I lifted in the New Balance MX20 Minimus and loved it, but I’ve found something I like even more: the INOV-8 BARE XF 210.

This is hands down the most comfortable training shoe I’ve ever worn. It weighs almost nothing, fits snugly but not too tight, has a perfectly flat sole, and has great arch support.

It’s expensive ($120), but you shouldn’t need to buy another pair for at least 1-2 years (unless you’re like me and are just kind of obsessed with trying different products).

Buy now


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THE LAST OF US

 

 

I barely have any time for video games these days, but this was worth it.

This was, hands down, one of the best games I’ve ever played. It’s a masterpiece–a true top-notch cinematic experience.

The story is gritty, visceral, and thought-provoking; the visuals and sound are downright stunning; the acting is at a Hollywood A-list level; the gameplay is intuitive, thrilling, and harrowing (especially on the highest difficulty levels); and the overall presentation and experience is nothing short of enthralling.

If you own a PS3, buy this game right now and disappear for a day or two. The Last of Us sets a new standard for single player gaming.

Buy now


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SANDISK CRUZER ORBIT 16 GB USB FLASH DRIVE

 

 

This s nothing more than a 16 GB USB flash drive that snaps onto your key chain, but it can come in quite handy for quick, easy file transferring.

I like this in particular because it’s small (smaller than an average key) and solidly built. You won’t break it tossing your keys around.

Buy now


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 GAME OF THRONES (A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, BOOK 1)

 

 

Yes, the show is awesome, but the books are even better.

Game of Thrones is the first in the series, and I’m not even a huge fantasy fan, but this some of the best fiction I’ve read. Martin truly is a master.

The plots are intricate, but not confusing; the character development is some of the best I’ve ever seen; the suspense never lets up (you never know who’s going to die next); and Martin’s writing style has that effortless eloquence that can only come with decades of practice.

Put Game of Thrones on your reading list, and see if the Seven Kingdoms is a place for you.

Buy now


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What do you think of this week’s picks? Have anything you’d like to add? Let me know in the comments below!