The shoes up for grabs aren’t any ordinary pair of sneakers. They are Mizuno’s 15th anniversary limited edition of the Wave Rider. Built for moderate protection with neutral control, the Wave Rider has won numerous awards during its lifespan, including the 1999 Editors’ Choice Award and the 2003 Best Update Award from Runner’s World magazine. When compared to other Mizuno running shoes, the Wave Rider remains one of its most popular styles.

According to Mizuno, the latest iteration mixes past technologies with a lightweight feel. The Wave Rider includes Mizuno Wave, a technology that combines cushioning with stability. It also features SmoothRide, a technology that has been improved in the Wave Rider by allowing for an optimal level of flex at toe-off and by moving the heel contact point forward, which is said to produce a more fluid ride. The limited edition of the Wave Rider 15 is available in ruby for men and crystal for women.

To win a pair, contestants have been asked to answer the question: What do you love about your running buddy? Whether it’s a friend or significant other, RunningShoes.com wants to hear about the ones who inspire you to get off the couch, run faster and go farther.

To enter, answer the question at Running Shoes News in the comments section. The winner will be selected by the staff of RunningShoes.com and announced on Feb. 15, 2012. The winner and his or her running buddy will be awarded pairs of the Wave Rider 15. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

About RunningShoes.com

Founded in 1996, RunningShoes.com is a customer service-focused Internet retailer based in St. Louis, Missouri. The online running shoes superstore provides a wide selection of specialty footwear for athletes from top brands like Asics, Brooks and New Balance. From barefoot running to trail running, RunningShoes.com tracks the latest trends in footwear and delivers them right to your doorstep.

Wolverine pays homage to its more than 125-year history with this made-in-the-USA work boot. From their Michigan-based factory, the craftsmen combine the finest Horween leather, Gore-Tex waterproof lining, Vibram outsoles and Thinsulate insulation with traditional, time-tested methods to create the Northman. These Goodyear Welt constructed Wolverine boots are available in brown or black with an optional steel toe.

There’s no hard work involved when earning a chance to win these boots. To enter, just visit Work Boots News and answer the question, “Where do you wear your work boots?” The randomly selected winner will receive a pair of the high-quality, durable Northman boots.

All contestants must be 18 years or older and live in the United States. Comments must be approved, so they might not appear immediately. The final day to enter is January 20, 2012, and the winner will be announced January 23.

About WorkBoots.com

Founded in 2004, WorkBoots.com is a customer service-focused Internet retailer based in St. Louis, Missouri. Serving hard-working professionals, the online superstore provides a wide selection of high quality work boots. Top brands include Danner, Rocky, Rucks, Converse, Wolverine and Magnum.

Launching in January 2012, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 is the twelfth iteration of its No. 1 selling shoe. Through the years, this stability shoe has received numerous accolades for its smooth ride. Most recently Runner’s World deemed the 11^th version of the Adrenaline GTS the “Best Update” in its winter shoe guide. For those not familiar with Brooks running shoes, the Washington-based manufacturer strives to let runners ‘run happy’ in superior technical footwear.

According to Brooks, the revised Adrenaline GTS boasts the same fit and feel of its previous versions. Updates to the shoe include more mesh to increase the breathability, a friction-resistant heel, a crash pad that encompasses more strides and Flextra technology to optimize forefoot flex. It will be offered in six colors and four widths.

To enter to win a pair of Adrenaline GTS 12, contestants must post a comment describing their 2012 running goal at Running Shoes News. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be selected at random and announced on Jan. 15, 2012.

About RunningShoes.com

Founded in 1996, RunningShoes.com is a customer service-focused Internet retailer based in St. Louis, Missouri. The online running shoes superstore provides a wide selection of athletic footwear from top brands like Asics, Brooks and New Balance. With personalized customer service and customized shopping platforms, RunningShoes.com’s core values create an unforgettable virtual shopping experience.

Survivors come in all shapes and sizes, but they share one distinguishing trait—the ability to overcome whatever challenges they may face. Inspired by National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the contest urges women to share their personal mantras or favorite survivor quotes that keep them going.

The lucky winner will take home a chic piece of pink shooting gear, which has been provided by Bang Bang Boutique. Proudly displayed on the bag is the word survivor accompanied by the signature pink ribbon. Embellished with rhinestones, the design is tasteful and elegant. Large enough to hold those shooting range essentials, it’s not too bulky and can comfortably be carried throughout the day.

To enter, ladies need to comment here: http://tacticalgear.com/news/survivor-quote-contest-win- ….

All contestants must be 18 years or older and live in the United States. All comments must be approved, so they might not appear immediately underneath the post. The winning entry will be selected on Nov. 22, 2011 and will be announced the following day via Facebook and Twitter.

About Cat5 Commerce

Founded in 2004, Cat5 Commerce develops and operates niche online retail destinations including TacticalGear.com, RunningShoes.com and WorkBoots.com. With personalized customer service and customized shopping platforms, Cat5′s core values create an unforgettable virtual shopping experience.

Many people haven’t spent a great deal of time contemplating what they look like when they run. Most let go of whatever thoughts are holding them back and just go for it. Tapping into that primal survival instinct, they are only focused on the pounding of their feet against the pavement. They run like animals, which is exactly what Pearl Izumi urges its wearers to do.

Tell RunningShoes.com just what kind of furry creature you run like and you’ll be entered to win the Pearl Izumi Streak II ($110). It’s easy to enter, just leave a comment under the post at: http://runningshoes.com/news/giveaway-pearl-izumi-streak-ii/. For bonus points, entrants can include a link to a photo of either themselves or their animal.

The Pearl Izumi Streak II weighs in at 7.9 ounces. Boasting a seamless upper, the seam-free interior offers a certain element of comfort. The outsole is made up of EVA and blown rubber that combines for great cushioning and weight savings. The Energy Foam cushions the forefoot upon impact and returns energy back to the runner.

Its segmented forefoot offers a smooth and efficient ride. Adding to its running comfort, the Ortholite sockliner provides long-lasting cushioning. The lacing anatomically conforms to the foot for a tailored fit regardless of foot shape.

The giveaway is only open to U.S. residents. The winner will be announced Nov. 9, 2011.

About Cat5 Commerce

Founded in 2004, Cat5 Commerce develops and operates niche online retail destinations including RunningShoes.com,TacticalGear.com and HikingBoots.com. With personalized customer service and customized shopping platforms, Cat5′s core values create an unforgettable virtual shopping experience.

This is the first photo contest to be hosted by MilitaryGear.com. Photographers of all experience levels are asked to submit up to two of their best travel pictures. Entries can be from near, far or somewhere in the middle. The person who sends in the best photo will win a Sitka Gearslinger ($129.99), courtesy of Maxpedition.

Maxpedition packs and bags are known for their durability and user-friendly designs. The Sitka Gearslinger easily handles everyday concealed carry needs and those spur of the moment adventures into the unknown. The single shoulder backpack has a number of useful features, such as theft deterrent devices built-in to capture zipper pulls, top and side handles and concealed carry compatibility. Virtually indestructible, it’s made of 1000-denier ballistic nylon fabric with double stitching at the stress points.

Contestants are asked to include their names, photo locations and the date the picture was taken. A brief summary that provides background information about the photo is encouraged. The deadline to enter is Nov. 14, 2011. Only open to U.S. residents who are 18 years old or older. Email entries to editor [at] cat5 [dot] com.

The winner will be selected by the staff of MilitaryGear.com. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner, but the top entries will be published in a following post on Military Gear News.
For more information on the contest, please visit http://militarygear.com/news/contest-submit-your-adventure-photos.

About MilitaryGear.com

MilitaryGear.com is a customer service-focused Internet retailer based in St. Louis, Missouri. The online superstore provides a wide selection of military apparel, gear and accessories. Top brands featured on MilitaryGear.com include Propper, Maxpedition, Blackhawk, Belleville, Rocky and CamelBak.

The niche stores were designed with the idea that members of law enforcement and the military each deserve their own dedicated online shopping experience. Often combined in retail environments, these two industries are comprised of individuals with distinct interests and needs. TacticalGear.com and MilitaryGear.com were developed to cater to these industry-specific requirements.

TacticalGear.com focuses on the public safety market by providing cutting-edge tactical gear and equipment. The store was built from the ground up on a custom shopping platform developed in-house. Starting with many of the industry’s top brands, TacticalGear.com is set to rapidly expand its offering in the coming months. Customers can shop by product category, brand or peruse the top sellers and clearance section.

On the other hand, MilitaryGear.com proudly serves military personnel and enthusiasts with advanced gear from veteran brands, including Magnum, Converse and Blackhawk. Using the same custom platform, the site enjoys a clean look and feel, constantly updated inventory and powerful shopping features. MilitaryGear.com is one of the first online stores to accept pre-orders for Propper’s all-new A-TACS ACU, a highly anticipated item due out in April 2011.

“These sites have been years in the making — from securing the most desirable domain names in the business to building out a comprehensive network of suppliers,” said Chad Weinman, CEO of Cat5 Commerce, the parent company of the new stores. “Our goal is to provide shoppers with industry-leading customer service and an unmatched shopping experience.”

The two flagship superstores are the culmination of Cat5 Commerce’s leading ecommerce expertise and intimate knowledge of the military and law enforcement verticals. Proprietary technology enables both storefronts to offer an infinite combination of stocked and drop-shipped merchandise. According to Weinman, this formula creates the foundation for TacticalGear.com and MilitaryGear.com to ultimately become the largest online stores of their kind.

BDU.COM, the company’s longest-running storefront, has served more than 300,000 military and law enforcement professionals since its inception in 2004. Through the years, Cat5 has continued expanding its portfolio of niche storefronts in order to meet customer demands. These storefronts include MilitaryBoots.com, TacticalPants.com and GunHolsters.com.

“As experts in product categories such as military boots and tactical pants, this was the natural next step in our expansion,” Weinman said. “It is our intention to become the leader of the military and public safety online retail space through superior selection, dedicated service and merciless search marketing strategies.”

Along with custom shopping features, each site hosts an industry-specific blog that operates as a separate entity. Run by professionally trained journalists, each blog serves as an information hub for its corresponding community. Additionally, each store is represented on various social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, giving customers multiple ways to interact with the stores and each other.

About Cat5 Commerce

Founded in 2004, Cat5 Commerce operates niche ecommerce destinations, including HikingBoots.com, TacticalPants.com and GunHolsters.com. With dedicated customer service and proprietary shopping cart technology, Cat5′s continuing mission is to create extraordinary online shopping experiences.

Although the website already has a professionally designed logo, its owners have decided to invite outdoor and design enthusiasts on a journey to create that perfect logo for the public-facing site. The HikingBoots.com Logo Design Challenge encourages designers to submit up to three of their best logo designs in vector format. Whoever produces the best design will win an all-new 13-inch MacBook Air (128GB), Adobe Photoshop CS5 and a pair of hiking boots of their choice from HikingBoots.com—a value of over $2,500.

Launched in February 2010, HikingBoots.com has become the No. 1 destination for outdoor footwear. Hundreds of thousands of people search online for “hiking boots” each year and visit the sprawling site that carries nearly every major brand of hiking boots including Vasque, Hi-Tec and The North Face.

In a letter to contestants, Chad Weinman, CEO of Cat5 Commerce, which owns HikingBoots.com, urged participants to enter the competition because they love design, not because they want a free MacBook Air. “This challenge is an excellent way for a young designer to leave their mark on a growing business,” Weinman explained. “The prize is simply the icing on the cake.”

He described the perfect logo as one that resonates with customers long-term. He also thanked designers for their time prior to participation. HikingBoots.com plans to permanently post the top entries online to help increase exposure for every designer’s work.

For more information, visit http://hikingboots.com/design-challenge. All entries must be received by midnight CT on Jan. 31, 2011. HikingBoots.com will announce the winner February 15, 2011. The winner’s logo will be featured on HikingBoots.com.

About Cat5 Commerce

Founded in 2004, Cat5 Commerce develops and operates niche online retail destinations, including HikingBoots.com, TacticalPants.com and MilitaryBoots.com. With dedicated customer service and sophisticated search marketing strategies, Cat5′s core values create extraordinary web-based shopping experiences.

The Ultimate Guide to Tactical Pants brings together more than 30 styles of tactical pants—a list that is growing every day. The sprawling analysis investigates the nuances of multi-pocket cargo pants, laying out all the chief players in an easy-to-navigate, single-page document. Moreover, it identifies key similarities and differences between the various pant brands on the market today.

“We created this guide to give back to the law enforcement community, which comprises the majority of our customer base,” said Chad Weinman, CEO of Cat5 Commerce, owner of TacticalPants.com. “We have created an invaluable resource that does not exist anywhere else on the web.”

Months of research went into perfecting the thorough report, which included conducting in-depth interviews with top tactical pants designers across the country. Inside the guide, a chart outlines 13 unique features of eight original tactical pants. Each manufacturer’s history and development is detailed as well as specific measurements on each pant.

“We plan on updating and expanding the guide frequently so that it remains relevant,” Weinman said. “We want to arm our customers with the necessary tools to find that perfect pair of pants based on their individual needs.”

Launched last November, TacticalPants.com has quickly become a market leader that has already sold over 33,000 pairs of tactical pants in 2010. A fully authorized dealer of Atlanco, Blackhawk, EOTAC, Propper and Woolrich, the retailer recently added Fechheimer and Kitanica further expanding its selection.

“Since going live, TacticalPants.com immediately resonated with our sizable law enforcement customer base,” Weinman added. “We’ve really caught lightning in a bottle with this store, and it’s been a tremendous success.”

About Cat5 Commerce

Founded in 2004, Cat5 Commerce develops and operates niche online retail destinations, including GunHolsters.com, TacticalPants.com and MilitaryBoots.com. With dedicated customer service and sophisticated search marketing strategies, Cat5′s core values create extraordinary web-based shopping experiences.