Sandals don’t likely come to mind as the most ideal footwear for hiking, but we should consider for centuries in hot regions sandals were actually the de facto shoes. The Romans wore sandals and built an empire with its soldiers in this footwear and that was before building those roads. Continue reading KEEN Sandals Ready for Hiking
Category: Footwear
Sprint Spikes Developed With 3D Printing
One of the marvels of 3D printing is that it allows designers to make small modifications during the prototype stage. Even not so small changes can be accomplished as another model can be printed off.
Luc Fusaro used this technology to develop lightweight sprint shoes that are customizable for individual runners. Fusaro developed the shoes as his final master degree solo project at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London, and it began with him scanning the feet of an athlete to create a digital 3D model. Continue reading Sprint Spikes Developed With 3D Printing
Hands On: Vionic Orthaheel Women’s Mojave Sandal
I recently got an email in my inbox for the Vionic Orthaheel line of shoes asking if I have heel pain, knee pain, back pain, leg pain? My answer: All of the above! I started to wonder if this company made shoes just for me, or studied my feet one night when I was sleeping. Well, it wasn’t that creepy, but it made me think how much I need these shoes. Continue reading Hands On: Vionic Orthaheel Women’s Mojave Sandal
Trail Making Shoes
There are plenty of shoes out there for riding the trails, but the Diddie Schneider is now sold as “the first and only shoe designed for biking and trail building.” We weren’t sure at first what that meant, but then it became clear.
The shoe is actually named after Diddie Schneider, one of the top bike terrain bike park builders in the world, and the shoe is more than just his namesake. It features a Nubuck leather upper, and features a low-profile, cage-compatible topcap but most notably offers a cut-resistant lace cover. Continue reading Trail Making Shoes
Run Light as an Adizero Feather 2
Adidas has announced the launch of its Adizero Feather 2 shoe, which at 6.7 ounces is one of the lightest everyday running shoes yet. The shoes feature a SprintFrame to significantly reduce shoe weight while still maintaining comfort and returning energy in each stride, while TORSION technology allows full freedom of motion in the front and back of each shot. The Feather 2 also offers SprintWeb, a lightweight mesh construction that provides support as well as breathability. The adiPrene+ and adiWear rubber outsole will ensure durability and traction while running. Continue reading Run Light as an Adizero Feather 2
FiveFinger Shoes Gets Fashionable
While the barefoot running shoes that fit the wearer much like a glove have become increasingly popular most of these have the visual appeal of a pair of gloves for the feet. It is to the point that we’ve wondered why the companies don’t just give up and make these look like hairy Hobbit’s feet!
Apparently we weren’t the only ones to bemoan the bland colors and lack of style. Vibram FiveFingers announced this week that the Seeya LS will arrive this fall and promises the new shoes to be a “stylish streetwear cross trainer.” The shoes will add a splash of color, but beyond the style the shoes still will weigh in at just five ounces on each foot, and will feature a non-stretch polyester mesh upper and a 2mm EVA insole and grippy rubber on the outsole. Continue reading FiveFinger Shoes Gets Fashionable
Bike Shoes That You Wouldn’t Know Are Bike Shoes
Bike shoes have gotten a lot more stylish in recent years, and while there have been bike sandals and other casual footwear that can be used when riding, the truth is that bike shoes are bike shoes. But now San Francisco-based DZR is looking to introduce some bike footwear that doesn’t look like bike shoes, yet features a platform for pedal cleats. Video after the jump
Nike Golf’s Lucky 13
Nike Golf has proven that 13 can be a lucky number the company is FREE to say. Nike Golf has introduced the new TW 13, which is inspired by Nike FREE technology. The distinctive shoes debuted last summer when Tiger Woods roared out with these, and now consumers will be able to get their feet in them beginning later this week.
The inspiration behind the Nike TW 13 footwear starts with the man himself, as Tiger Woods asked for a shoe that gave him a performance fit and feel that he experienced with his Nike FREE shoes that he used for running and training. The result is this shoe, which offers a natural motion engineered outsole that is designed to mimic and conform to the natural motion of the foot, coupled with the protection and traction of a lightweight performance golf shoe. This innovative outsole further allows the athlete to keep contact with the ground longer, better harnessing the energy of the foot to the shoe and, therefore, the shoe to the ground. Video after the jump
Adidas Tees Off With Retro Samba Shoes
The Samba shoes made their mark on the soccer pitch in the 1950s, and with more than 35 million sold over the years the Adidas shoe has made its mark. Now for 2012 the company is bringing the Samba to the golf course with a range of iconic colors. The first pair made their debut in March, and more are on deck to tee off this spring and summer! Continue reading Adidas Tees Off With Retro Samba Shoes
Orthaheel’s Vionic Line Aids Sport Recovery
You can spend all you want on your running shoes, but once you come back from a workout and slip on a pair of sandals or flip-flops, all that support goes away during crucial recovery time. Orthaheel is working on that issue with its Vionic line. These sandals and flip-flops offer support to prevent pronation. The five models are designed with a triple-density midsole; a high-traction Vibram outsole and a biomechanically contoured, motion controlled footbed. Continue reading Orthaheel’s Vionic Line Aids Sport Recovery
Patagonia Offers Transparency with Supply Chain Map
Patagonia is one of those companies that’s ahead of the competitor pack. Many of the clothes and other merchandise it produces is made from recycled and sustainable materials. And now Patagonia is revealing details about where its garments and other merchandise is manufactured. The Footprint Chronicles is a Google Maps listing of the company’s supply chain including textile mills and factories. You can see how many people work at each location, what languages they speak on the job, and what merchandise, such as baselayer or accessories, is produced at each location.
Nike recently put together a sustainability site with a similar goal of providing information for customers and investors.
Patagonia Official Website
Patagonia The Footprint Chronicles
[via TriplePundit: Patagonia Maps Out Its Supply Chain For Even More Transparency]
Adidas CLIMACOOL Might Seduce You
The shoes are reportedly beloved by Katy Perry, David Beckham, Lionel Messi and others. And from what we’re hearing what’s not to love. The Adidas CLIMACOOL Seduction Shoes offer 360-degrees of ventilation to help evaporate sweat and keep the feet cool. The Coolever mesh upper manages heat, while the lining and molded perforated midsole provide comfort and lightweight cushioning. The adiWEAR outsole further offers high-wear durability so these can go the distance. More images and video after the jump
Look Inside Nike Sustainability
Last week Nike released its Sustainable Business Performance Summary, in interactive form. This report is meant for consumer consumption and really illustrates the efforts the company is making to reduce, reuse, recycle and be responsible. It’s worth taking a look.
Upon loading the site you use the scroll wheel on your mouse to make the action start. As you scroll, a runner picks up speed across the screen. Scroll backwards and she runs backwards. Take a peek.
Nike Responsibility Report
[via: TriplePundit: Nike Challenges Customers to Design Their Own Virtual Green Athletic Wear]