Back in January 2010 we posted, Newton Almost Defies Gravity, where we highlighted one unique shoe from the Boulder based company Newton Running; but it seems that they have one-upped themselves with a new shoe. The 5.8-ounce MV2 (pronounced ‘M V squared’) is Newton’s current answer to the other natural running shoes that are appearing on the market.
The new MV2, which will hit the ground running later this month, is super lightweight, zero-drop shoe that encourages a natural-running posture, provides protection and energy return. They are being advertised as “a unique solution for runners who want to run faster, perform better and avoid injury by adopting a natural running stride, but not sacrifice protection.” Typical ‘barefoot’ running shoes do offer some protection from road debris, but the MV2 is a little thicker giving even better protection while still not raising the heel. Continue reading Newton (once again) Almost Defies Gravity
KineticShift wasn’t able to head to Europe this year, and while we’re about to shift into full gear for Interbike in Las Vegas next week a number of product announcements caught our eyes. We have compiled a round-up of the can’t miss products for 2012 and beyond. Continue reading Eurobike 2011 Recap
Summer is ending, and the days of going barefoot will soon give way to snow boots and parkas. That might be a stretch, but it is certainly going to be shoe weather soon. But now Adidas has a way to drag out the feeling of going barefoot with a new shoe – the adipure Trainer.
What makes this new offering from Adidas unique is that it is not designed for running, it is designed for use at the gym. The adipure Trainer promotes the ’natural movement’ of the body by harnessing the natural mechanics of your own body and uses that to strengthen the muscles, build balance and promote dexterity.
“A lot of engineering went into making your foot a high performance machine,” said Mark Verstegen, founder of Athletes’ Performance. “To achieve your full potential during a workout, focus on how your foot interacts with the ground in the same way you think about how your hand interacts with a ball or a bat. Using your foot’s natural power and movement will help you strengthen muscles you never knew you had in your feet, lower legs and throughout your core.”
We normally think of Nike’s basketball shows when we think of “dunk,” but Nike Golf is unveiling its latest Nike Dunk (NG) Golf shoe, which will make the rounds on the PGA Tour this fall, and will be available to golfers starting in the New Year.
The shoes do have a link to the court, not the greens. The original Nike Dunk was created as a basketball shoe in 1985. After it was introduced to the world, the Nike Dunk started a commotion when basketball teams began wearing them to match their uniforms. The shoes caught on, and have and Dunks have become the prized shoes for sneakerheads as well as fashion statements for anyone looking to add vintage style to their shoe collection. Nike even kept original Nike Dunk shoes that were created 25 years ago, to ensure that the Nike Dunk NG feels just the same as the Dunks that people have grown to love. And as the shoes move from the courts to the fairways, Nike ensures that these will do so without compromising performance for golf. Continue reading Nike Golf Goes for the Dunk
The new BIOM running shoes from ECCO are designed with durable materials to last up to 1.5 times longer than EVA, which is currently used in many other shoes. As a result the BIOM can go the distance, and thanks to the innovation that utilizes biomechanics with the help of University of Cologne, these shoes might help you go the distance as well.
These shoes are inspired by barefoot runners, and ECCO worked on the concept for more than three years, scanning foot profiles of more than 2500 runners to create a replica of the human foot. To date the BIOM is the only shoe on the market that uses a “direct-injection process” to increase the durability of the shoe. Additionally the BIOM features a wide “toebox” design to ensure that the wearer’s toes can spread naturally making for a comfortable fit. The BIOM feature high-traction rubber outsold components to improve grip while making for a lightweight shoe.
Currently there are two models available with a third in development. The BIOM A is produced using traditional textile mesh that allows for greater ventilation and is thus a great “summer” shoes; while the BIOM B utilizes breakable yak leather that offers increased durability. We’ll be curious where the C model fits in, as it could go the distance and more.
New Balance started producing shoes all the way back in 1906 to help relieve the foot pain of laborer’s and keep them working comfortably on their feet. Through out the years, they started producing athletic footwear with their first running shoes appearing in 1938. Since then, New Balance has been committed to innovating and evolving their footwear to meet the needs of the athletic community for over 70 years.
With the trend of all footwear and most everything else being produced overseas, New Balance started a campaign back in 1992 advertising that their shoes were still being made in the U.S.A. That commitment is still true today. New Balance relies on five different ‘associate’ manufacturers in New England to produce 25 percent of the shoes that they sell in the U.S. or approximately 7 million pair. They are the only manufacturer to still make athletic shoes in the United States. Continue reading Made in America: New Balance Shoes
The shoe of 2011 is lightweight. You’ll see entries from several manufacturers. Adidas brought out its ClimaCool Ride, an 8.9 ounce running shoe. While the loss of a few ounces is something to talk about, the all-around, 360 degree venting is another star feature of the shoe. Continue reading Adidas ClimaCool Ride, Light on Your Feet
The rocker shoe craze isn’t going anywhere. Korean company Ryn is among the newer introductions to the American Market. Ho Hyung Lee, who worked at a sneaker factory in Pusan, Korea, developed Ryn footwear. When he had to leave his job for an emergency knee operation, he decided to develop a pair of shoes that would help him recover, and aid others plagued by joint pain and those who want to tone up.
The Original SWAT Footwear Company has now introduced a line of boots where users can choose from a number of boot model options, upload images, and even enter team names or badge numbers should it be required. Users can decide if they want a plain toe, or go with the Tec Tuff Toe option, which provides protection from abrasions and is also resistant to oil, petroleum and salt staining. It is further fire retardant and resists cold cracking. There is even an option for a composite safety toe inside the boot that can withstand 200 Joules Impact Test Standards, yet is made of non-metal material so it is anti-magnetic and non-sparking – plus metal-detector friendly.
In addition, users can choose insulation type, opting for the 400 gram of Thinsulate insulation, which is ideal for high activity levels in cold weather, and even decided if the boots need to be waterproof or offer puncture protection. All this can be determined directly from the website and each team member – should there be a team involved – can get a boot just for them!
We’ve seen a lot of products turned into other things, like the American Express Card dress worn at the Oscars a few years back – and we’ve heard about products using recycled plastics that can be turned into all sorts of things, including bike frames.
Now Civic Duty is doing its something unique. The company has introduced a new line of futuristic sneakers made from FedEx airmail envelopes, mounted to a recyclable rubber sole. The result is a shoe that is easy to stash in a carryon bag, yet is comfortable for hours of walking – best of all it is waterproof thanks to its Tyvek material so ideal for those trips during the rainy season.
The shoes, which are available for purchase now online, are the brain child of Steven Weinreb, Civic Duty founder and Chief Inspiration Officer. The shoe’s material promises to be both comfortable and breathable while being water resistant and highly durable. It should also be easily recyclable as well. Best of all it comes with a worn vintage look right out of the box.
There’s a group that plays soccer in the North end of Central Park in New York City. They play until the grass wears bare, and there’s nothing left of the field except hard-packed dirt. We’ve wondered why they wear the field down to dirt, but it turns out they’re probably playing a variation of their favorite football, Sala. There’s three variations on football popular in Europe, Central America and North America. Those are cage, caneta and sala. Nike just introduced a collection of Nike5 shoes addressing each sport. Continue reading Nike5 Collection Caters to Three Styles of ‘Futbol’
It’s been a few years since I ran, due to my feet having problems with pronation. At my podiatrist’s recommendation I ditched my standard running shoe, Saucony Stabils, for a pair with slightly less support. But the pair of Sauconys I went with also had less motion control. The shoes gave me problems instantly. My feet lost circulation upon starting out for a run, other foot problems then developed, and so did pain develop elsewhere in my body. I stopped running.
Those old running shoes never got the full wear and tear they were supposed to get, and therefore it was two years before I could justify replacing them (running shoes require replacement roughly every six months, twice a year, even when they’re used infrequently). I wasn’t sure I would start running again, but once I handed over the plastic at the store for a new pair of Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS, I suddenly had the urge to run. I got home with my new shoes just as dusk was setting in, but that didn’t stop me from heading to Central Park for a run around the Harlem Meer. It felt great, even though I ran for just a portion and walked the rest of the loop. I’ve kept it up for a few weeks now.
Though I have orthotics I should use instead of the standard inserts, I’ve left in the original support—the shoes are offering the support I need. Every runner has unique requirements when it comes to a shoe. The Stabil has technology to make it appropriate for runners who pronate, or whose feet angle in. The biggest features are packed into the midsole of the shoe. The C S Zone, a special material that is built into the sole of the shoe under the arch of the foot, is added support that controls the foot against pronation, while keeping the foot flexible. More added support is provided through the Arch-Lock, or strapping that extends from the sole to the lace eyelets. Other features alternate cushioning and support where appropriate.
At some point I’ll have to start using my orthotics, but I like the inserts’ sock liner that offers moisture wicking and rebound properties to support most runners. The ProGrid has been around for several years, but Saucony continues to update it with the latest technology to support any running regime.
Back in January 2010 we posted, Newton Almost Defies Gravity, where we highlighted one unique shoe from the Boulder based company Newton Running; but it seems that they have one-upped themselves with a new shoe. The 5.8-ounce MV2 (pronounced ‘M V squared’) is Newton’s current answer to the other natural running shoes that are appearing on the market.
It’s been a few years since I ran, due to my feet having problems with pronation. At my podiatrist’s recommendation I ditched my standard running shoe,