In Greek mythology Achilles was invulnerable in all his body except his heel – and as the Ancient Greeks opted to not to wear armor on their feet this proved to be a fatal flaw for the seemingly invincible warrior. But athletes today wear specialty shoes to increase performance and protect against injury. Fittingly there is even a type of athletic armor for the feet, as Under Armour has introduced a new basketball shoe called the UA Charge. Continue reading Under Armour Offers Ankle Support
Category: Footwear
These Boots Were Made for Hiking
We’ve seen a lot of innovative technology in boots – heat coils, synthetic materials and all sorts of waterproofing. But sometimes you can’t mess with a good thing. And that’s why the Danner Mountain Trail Left Bank boots seem so classic. These evoke style that is often missing today.
These are constructed of Horween Russet Chomexcel Leather from Chicago’s Horween Leather Company, and are fully lined to endure a hike in the woods and so much more.
The Philosophy of Socks
Socrates was a thinker, not a warrior but the Socrates socks could be called clever because they utilize a few “army” tricks like military spec elastic to keep them from falling down the legs, along with carbon threaded and Kevlar-carbon matrix in the toes and heels so these won’t wear out. Developed by Cameron Carter, a 23-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy graduate who works as a contracting officer and business advisor for the U.S. Air Force in Europe, the socks are for business-casual but we could see this as making a leap to fitness as well, as these should be seriously durable. Video after the jump
The Sense of Salomon
Some things just make sense, and Salomon has made the S-Lab Sense, a new shoe developed through collaboration between designers and trail runners. The Sense, which we first spotted back in February, are now ready for those looking to hit the trails. And this makes sense to us as the shoes offer the benefits of protection on the feet against stones and dirt for those who like to do the barefoot running thing. Video of Kilian Jornet with the Sense
Nike Says Move Over Air Jordan
The Air Jordan apparently has been deflated, but Nike is still in the game – introducing the Nike Lebron X in honor of LeBron James’ first NBA championship, and the first signature shoe to offer Nike+ Baskeball support. This shoe actually lets you track in-game activity to an iPhone, and is reportedly the first Nike shoe to feature the full-length visible Nike Zoom unit. It offers Hyperfuse construction with a one-piece upper, and Flywire technology to provide secure fit while still feeling lightweight.
Nike Lebron X Official Website
Innovation and Technology to Drive Growth in Athletic Footwear
Several factors drive growth in athletic footwear, such as increased global sales; awareness about healthy and active lifestyles; rising demand for comfortable footwear; rising demand for innovative footwear designs and technology; population growth and rising disposable income levels. That’s the findings from “Athletic Footwear Market – Global Industry Size, Market Share, Trends, Analysis and forecast, 2012 – 2018,” a report released by Transparency Market Research. Continue reading Innovation and Technology to Drive Growth in Athletic Footwear
Interbike 2012: Empire Builder at Giro
Giro has built a not so small empire with its line of helmets and shoes, and at Interbike last week the company unveiled the Empire, a new custom shoe developed specifically for Taylor Phinney to use in the 2012 Giro d’Italia and Olympic Games. Video after the jump
Nike Weaves Up New Shoe
This past Saturday saw the release of a very different Nike shoe, the Nike Free Inneva Woven. This footwear featured a new 360-degree hand-woven system that unifies the laces with nylon webbing upper made from various strand widths. The idea is a shoe that fits better, offers great support and can truly breathe!
It is combined with a running tech natural motion midsole and outsole so it can look good and be good for the feet while in motion.
Interbike 2012: Most Italian Shoe of the Show
Could Vittoria’s new 150th anniversary road shoe look anymore Italian? Probably not without some stereotypes like pizza and a scooter in the photo! It certainly is a head turning, and nearly every piece of this shoe came from the “boot.” We think it says “caio.”
Continue reading Interbike 2012: Most Italian Shoe of the Show
Weekend Reading List (9.15.2012): The Ending Summer, Cycling Apps, Shoe Tests, US Army and NFL Team Up
The Ending Summer
From Surf Magazine: Summer’s End
They say Labor Day marks the end of the summer, and what better way to end it then with a sizable south swell tearing through California.
Continue reading Weekend Reading List (9.15.2012): The Ending Summer, Cycling Apps, Shoe Tests, US Army and NFL Team Up
Louis Garneau On Course With New 2SL Shoes
We’ve heard the expression “if the shoe fits,” but what if you want to do more than just make it fit? What if you want the perfect fit? Louis Garneau has the answer with its new Course 2SL line of cycling footwear, which provides perfect fit, increased comfort, reduced weight and improved power transfer.
The shoes offer interchangeable insoles, with options to block ventilation in colder weather while offering improved airflow in the warmer weather. The multi-vent system helps take air in through vents in the side of the out and evacuates the air through another vent in the sole at the heel to ensure perfect comfort. Continue reading Louis Garneau On Course With New 2SL Shoes
Interbike: Put a (Foot)Brake on It
Bicycle shoes are great for riding a bike. Clipping into the pedals provides better use of the pedal stroke, and actually helps make for a more stable ride. But walking around in cycling shoes is hardly fun. And sometimes after a long time on the bike it is nice to get out of the shoes. Of course bare feet aren’t going to work but the Footbrake will have you covered. This is a foldable sandal like shoe that can tuck in a cycling jersey pocket and be there when you need it.
Sounds like a plan to us!
60 Days Try Out
Not sure if the natural running shoe thing is for you? Well, now you can try the shoes for two months and decide if it is right for you!
Newton Running has introduced a special program beginning this week, which will run through October 31. It is the “60 Days of Better,” a program to encourage runners to try out the natural running shoes. Customers purchasing a pair of Network Running shoes from now until the end of October has 60 days from the date of purchase to return the shoes if they aren’t satisfied. Continue reading 60 Days Try Out